Program Director @ Kepler Communications

Kepler is on an audacious mission: to bring the internet to space. Founded in 2015, our ambition is to provide internet connectivity in space, whether in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond. With an expanding base of early customers and our first 23 satellites in orbit, Kepler is continuing to grow and expand its most important asset – the Team!

As a Kepler Program Director, you will own overall program execution and implement high-level program initiatives to drive our Kepler Network forward and maintain our upward trajectory of success and growth. Ultimately, you are motivated by the desire to optimize productivity and nurture program success from inception to completion; you are flexible and adaptive to a rapidly evolving work environment.

As a Program Director you will partner closely with the engineering teams to move our space constellation, ground network, mission operations, and customer interfaces through to service go-live. You will partner closely with Chief Engineering, Systems Engineering, and department leads to ensure success and accountability to mission accomplishment. You will have a heightened focus on reliability and risk mitigation. In order to accomplish these goals, you will be enabled to focus on program leadership with matrix-accountable program managers, project coordinators, and department leads for the key program sectors (spacecraft systems, ground systems, mission operations, customer service, user systems, and production).

Responsibilities:

Holding the teams accountable and make clear decisions on scope change, performance specifications, and be able to communicate clear recommendations to the business leadership on direction.
Leading a cross-functional Kepler Network group that maintains alignment between engineering, program management, and business development.
Advocating for the program sector needs if they cannot be resolved at the program level.
Partnering closely with the chief engineer and systems engineering organization to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging.
Identifying any barriers to successful program execution, helping the teams determine and finalize mitigation strategies for key risks, and escalating as appropriate.
Managing a Kepler Network integrated roadmap for execution on key programmatic milestones.
Generating integrated programmatic artifacts that combine the cost of executing on our objectives.
Working closely with department leads to communicate top risks and milestones, maintain alignment, and hold accountable for their various functional responsibilities.
Coaching the program and project management team and partnering with the Program Management Office Director to input on best practices and capability gaps.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or relevant technical field.
10+ years of experience in Program Management and/or Systems Engineering in a high reliability environment.
10 years of combined managerial experience (either programmatic or organizational).
7+ years of aerospace design, manufacturing, and/or operations.
Experience working with many different customers.
Experience with agile framework execution and best practices.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Exceptional organizational skills.
Experience with managing highly complex development programs.
Experience moving hardware and software from R&D to production to operations.

Bonus Points:

Knowledge and / or experience working with government customers.
Knowledge and / or experience in microsatellite design and launch.
Knowledge and / or experience in aerospace operations.
Knowledge and / or experience in RF components, conops, and interfaces.
Knowledge and / or experience in optical communications.
Knowledge and / or experience in flight software development and programmatic needs.
Master of Business Administration or similar higher education.

Kepler Communications Inc. is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBT and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.

Responsibilities:

Requirements:

Bonus Points:

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth